Why are such classes so important? Some background knowledge of how people grow and change throughout life is essential if you are majoring in a field such as:
HealthcareEducationMedicineNursingPsychologySocial work
While people in these fields can benefit, understanding human development can be helpful for anyone. Here are five reasons you should consider studying human development. As you enter adulthood, navigate middle age, and face the onset of old age, having a greater understanding of how people continue to grow and change as they get older can help you appreciate and manage all the stages of your life. It can also help you learn more about your future. By understanding the aging process, you’ll be better prepared when you face issues associated with growing older. It may also help you:
Address end-of-life concernsCultivate supportive relationshipsMake healthier choicesPlan for your future needs
Aging doesn’t always follow a defined path. There are also a wide variety of factors that can influence the path that your life follows. Looking at these influences can help you make choices today that may influence your life in older age. By learning more about how kids grow, parents can help their kids grow in healthy ways and address challenges that might arise. In addition to learning things that can help make you a better parent, you can gain greater insight into how your children behave, think, learn, and feel.
Communicating in ways that are age-appropriateEncouraging appropriate playHelping children express and understand emotionsReinforcing positive behaviors
Once you better understand the stages of development and what makes kids tick, you will feel more comfortable talking, playing, and working with them. This is particularly important if you plan on working with children. Perhaps most importantly, studying human development makes it easier to spot possible signs of trouble. From problems with cognitive, social, or emotional development in early childhood to struggles later in life, being able to identify potential problems is important.
